Effortlessly Transfer Files from Shared with Me to My Drive

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Method 1: Download and Re-upload the Files
3. Method 2: Using an Extension
4. Method 3: Using Google Collab
   1. Step 1: Create a Shortcut in My Drive
   2. Step 2: Create an Empty Folder in My Drive
   3. Step 3: Access Google Collab
   4. Step 4: Mount Google Drive
   5. Step 5: Copying the Files
5. Conclusion
6. Pros and Cons of Each Method
7. FAQ

How to Copy Files and Folders from "Shared with Me" to "My Drive" in Google Drive

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to store and share files and folders online. One common issue that users face is when they have files or folders shared with them, but they do not own them. This can cause concerns as there is always a risk of losing access to these files and folders. However, there are three methods that You can use to copy these files and folders from "Shared with Me" to "My Drive". In this article, we will guide you through each method step by step.

Method 1: Download and Re-upload the Files

If the files you want to copy are smaller in size, the simplest method is to download the file from "Shared with Me", and then re-upload it to your "My Drive". This method is straightforward and familiar, but it can be time-consuming and Consume your bandwidth if the files are large in size.

Method 2: Using an Extension

Another method to copy files from "Shared with Me" to "My Drive" is by using a Google Chrome extension. This method allows you to quickly and easily copy files without the need to download and re-upload them manually. However, this method requires installing a third-party extension, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Method 3: Using Google Collab

The third method we will discuss is using Google Collab, which is a cloud-Based Python development environment. This method offers a more efficient way to copy files and folders from "Shared with Me" to "My Drive". Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Create a Shortcut in My Drive

1. Open the "Shared with Me" folder in Google Drive.
2. Right-click on the folder or file you want to copy.
3. Click on "Add shortcut to Drive".
4. Create a shortcut in "My Drive".

Step 2: Create an Empty Folder in My Drive

1. Move to your "My Drive".
2. Create an empty folder in "My Drive" where you want to copy the files.
3. Give the folder a name.

Step 3: Access Google Collab

1. Open a new tab in your web browser.
2. Search for "collab" and open the first link - collab.research.google.com.
3. Wait until it is connected.

Step 4: Mount Google Drive

1. On the left side, click on the folder icon.
2. Wait for a few seconds until it is connected.
3. Click on the "Mount Drive" icon.

Step 5: Copying the Files

1. Click on the play button to run the cell and mount your Google Drive with Google Collab.
2. Authenticate your Google Drive account.
3. Once authenticated, click on the refresh button to see your Google Drive directories.
4. Locate your "My Drive" and the shortcut to the folder or file you want to copy.
5. Copy the code provided in the description and paste it into a new cell in Google Collab.
6. Modify the code by entering the paths of the file or folder you want to copy and the destination folder in "My Drive".
7. Run the cell and wait for the copying process to complete.

By following these steps, you can easily copy files and folders from "Shared with Me" to "My Drive" using Google Collab.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed three different methods to copy files and folders from "Shared with Me" to "My Drive" in Google Drive. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer the simplicity of downloading and re-uploading files or the efficiency of using Google Collab, you now have the knowledge to easily copy your files and ensure they are stored in your "My Drive" where you have full ownership and control.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

• Method 1:

  • Pros: Simple and familiar method, suitable for smaller file sizes.
  • Cons: Time-consuming and consumes bandwidth for larger file sizes.

• Method 2:

  • Pros: Quick and easy, no need to download and re-upload files manually.
  • Cons: Requires installation of a third-party extension.

• Method 3:

  • Pros: Efficient method, allows for copying files and folders directly.
  • Cons: Requires some technical knowledge and familiarity with Google Collab.

FAQ

Q: Can I copy multiple files or folders at once using Method 2? A: Yes, Method 2 allows you to select and copy multiple files or folders simultaneously.

Q: Is it possible to copy files from "Shared with Me" to "My Drive" without using any third-party tools? A: Yes, Method 1 does not require any additional tools or extensions. However, it may be time-consuming for larger file sizes.

Q: Can I use Google Collab to copy files between different Google Drive accounts? A: Yes, Google Collab can be used to copy files between different Google Drive accounts as long as you have the necessary access and permissions.

Q: Is there a limit to the size of files or folders that can be copied using Method 3? A: While Google Collab generally supports copying large files, it is always recommended to check the specific limitations and restrictions of your Google Drive account.

Q: Will the copied files still be accessible to the original owner after using Google Collab? A: No, by copying the files to your "My Drive", you become the owner and have full control and access to the copied files. The original owner will no longer have access to them.